Application of Precision Farming in Horticulture: A Comprehensive Review
Shuvadeep Halder *
Department of Horticulture and Food Science, School of Agriculture & Allied Sciences, The Neotia University, Diamond Harbour, S 24 Pargana, 743368, India.
Shampa Purkaystha
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralekhamundi, Odisha, 761211, India.
Tushar Ghosh
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Nadia, West Bengal- 741252, India.
Subhash Chandra Ghosh
Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture & Allied Sciences, The Neotia University, Diamond Harbour, S 24 Pargana, 743368, India.
Abid Hayat
Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, Birbhum, 731236, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
With the ever-increasing global population and diverse challenges caused by climate change, horticultural productivity must increase in an ecofriendly and sustainable way. Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture may play an important role to improve this situation by a data-driven farm management system that aims to identify, analyze, and manage variability within fields for optimal profitability, sustainability, and land resource protection. It involves applying the right treatments at the right time and location within a field. In horticulture, precision farming plays a crucial role in resource-efficient management as well as reducing significant labour requirement, including techniques like fertigation, greenhouse cultivation, soil and leaf nutrient-based fertilizer management, and more. This comprehensive review paper explores the application of precision farming in horticulture, emphasizing its potential impact on crop management, environmental health, and economic sustainability.
Keywords: Precision farming, horticulture, resource-efficient and sustainability